Sustain Momentum (Without Burning Out Your Team)
Nov 18, 2025When things are going well, it’s tempting to push harder.
The goals are clear, the results are strong, and the team is humming, so we double down.
But there’s a fine line between healthy momentum and quiet burnout. And as leaders, we often don’t see the difference until the damage is done.
I learned this lesson the hard way.
I’ve always been someone who thrives under pressure. Tight deadlines, complex projects, high expectations — I love the challenge. It’s where I feel sharp and alive. But one year, during a particularly intense season of growth, I found myself sending late-night emails to keep things moving. It was my way of staying on top of things and keeping everyone informed.
Or so I thought.
A few weeks later, one of my team members went to HR. She said she felt pressured to work the same hours I did, even though I’d never asked her to. That feedback stopped me cold. It wasn’t about the emails. It was about the energy behind them.
Without realising it, I’d created a culture where overwork looked like commitment. My energy, the very thing I thought was driving performance — was actually draining it.
That moment changed how I lead. I realised that momentum doesn’t come from intensity; it comes from rhythm. It’s not about pushing harder; it’s about maintaining the right pace so that everyone, including you, can sustain performance over time.
Here’s what I do differently now, and what I share with my clients who want to lead with high-performance energy that lasts.
1. Model sustainable behaviour
People mirror what they see. If you’re constantly “on,” your team will believe that’s the expectation. Protect your recovery time — not just for you, but as a signal to them that it’s safe to rest.
2. Recognise effort, not just outcomes
Momentum builds when people feel seen for their contribution, not just their results. Recognition fuels intrinsic motivation and keeps energy steady between milestones.
3. Create micro-breaks
Encourage intentional pauses — a walk between meetings, five minutes of quiet before the next call, a short team reset midweek. These small breaks stop fatigue from becoming burnout and keep creative thinking alive.
Leadership momentum isn’t about speed; it’s about stamina. It’s the ability to keep moving forward without losing the clarity, empathy, and energy that inspire others to do the same.
So if your team’s energy is flagging, or if you’ve been running on fumes, take a step back. Look at the pace you’re setting. Ask yourself whether it’s sustainable, and if not, adjust.
Because when you lead from balance, not burnout, you don’t just sustain momentum. You multiply it.
Your Next Step
If you’re ready to finish the year strong, without sacrificing your energy or your team’s download my free High-Performance Energy Playbook. It’s a practical guide to reset, refocus, and recharge your leadership energy.
Get it here: edgeofpossibilities.com.au/pl/2148716981
And if you want to go deeper, message me directly to book a private coaching session and let’s build a rhythm that fuels your leadership, not drains it.
About Liz Murray
Liz Murray helps leaders protect their energy, sharpen their influence, and lead with emotional stamina through her online course Be Exceptional, one-to-one coaching, and high-impact workshops. www.edgeofpossibilities.com.au
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